Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Bake
This hearty Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Bake is a delightful casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a family-friendly meal. Packed with tender macaroni noodles, savory celery, and rich cheddar cheese, it's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy get-togethers. This recipe is inspired by a cherished dish from a mom's group, making it the ideal comfort food that you can prepare in under an hour. Feel free to substitute with chicken or pork if turkey isn't available, and enjoy the delightful crunch of potato chips on top for added texture.
6
Servings
333
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni noodles
2 cups (cooked according to package directions)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
celery
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
cream of chicken soup
2 cans (10 ounces each) (ready to use)
milk
2/3 cup (regular or low-fat)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
turkey
1 1/2 - 2 cups (cooked and chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
plain potato chips
2 cups (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
4
Add the finely chopped celery, chopped onion, and optional green pepper to the saucepan. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook the mixture until the cheese has melted and is smooth.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the turkey, and the salt. Pour the melted cheese sauce over this mixture and stir until well combined.
7
Coat a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray and transfer the macaroni and turkey mixture into the dish.
8
Evenly sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top of the mixture.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the potato chips are toasted and golden.
10
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
40g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Turkey Macaroni Bake?
It is a hearty casserole made with macaroni noodles, cooked turkey, celery, and cheddar cheese, topped with crushed potato chips.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
Can I use a different meat besides turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or pork.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It needs to bake for 30 minutes or until it is hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of macaroni noodles.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before baking?
The macaroni should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
What provides the crunch on top of the bake?
Two cups of crushed plain potato chips are sprinkled on top for added texture.
Is the green pepper a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper is optional.
What kind of soup is used for the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cans (10 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of milk is recommended?
You can use 2/3 cup of either regular or low-fat milk.
How much butter is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter.
How much celery is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped celery.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 3-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, the dish should be coated with non-stick spray before adding the mixture.
How much turkey is used in the dish?
The recipe uses between 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked and chopped turkey.
How long should I sauté the celery and onion?
Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished dish from a mom's group.
Should the turkey be cooked before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the turkey should be already cooked and chopped.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added, or you can season to taste.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
When is the cheese added to the mixture?
The cheese is stirred into the soup and milk mixture until melted and smooth before being combined with the pasta.
Can this meal be prepared quickly?
Yes, the total preparation and baking time is under an hour.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a delightful comfort food ideal for cozy get-togethers.
How should the dish be served?
It should be removed from the oven, allowed to cool for a few minutes, and served warm.